The Lagos State Government has increased the number of traffic management personnel deployed along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway following a severe gridlock that reportedly kept thousands of motorists and commuters on the road for more than 12 hours.
The congestion affected several sections of the expressway, including Kara Bridge, Long Bridge, Magboro and Berger, with a fallen truck, ongoing construction activities and multiple road crashes identified as major factors contributing to the situation.
The state government appealed to motorists to remain patient as relevant agencies intensify efforts to ease the congestion and restore normal traffic movement.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Olawale Musa, said the truck that fell on the road had been cleared by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA.
Musa, however, noted that the situation was compounded by motorists who resorted to driving against traffic in an attempt to avoid the congestion.
He said additional traffic officers had been deployed to strategic points along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to regulate vehicular movement and reduce the gridlock.
According to him, the ministry is coordinating with relevant security and traffic management agencies, including the Lagos and Ogun State police commands, Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, TRACE, and LASTMA, to manage the situation.
Musa also said the rehabilitation work currently being carried out at Kara Bridge could result in temporary delays for road users.
He explained that the intervention was necessary to safeguard the bridge, preserve the infrastructure and ensure its long-term safety and functionality, as well as the surrounding road corridor.
He assured motorists that the rehabilitation work would be completed soon.
Also speaking, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the agency’s personnel had remained on duty around the clock as part of efforts to improve traffic flow.
Bakare-Oki urged motorists to exercise patience and refrain from driving against traffic, particularly when road obstructions occur.
He also advised road users to consider alternative routes to reduce the volume of traffic approaching the Kara Bridge corridor.
According to him, motorists could take the Ikorodu Garage, Ogijo and Sagamu route through Lotto before connecting to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Those travelling towards Lagos and its surrounding areas were also advised to consider the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, while motorists heading towards Ijebu-Ode could use the Ikorodu-Ijebu-Ode route.
The LASTMA boss urged motorists to plan their journeys in advance, familiarise themselves with alternative routes and comply with directives issued by authorised traffic management personnel.
The state government said the measures were intended to reduce pressure on the affected routes and facilitate smoother movement for motorists and commuters.
Lagos deploys more officers to ease Kara Bridge gridlock, advises motorists on alternative routes